mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White, semi-translucent to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: ~2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White, semi-translucent to opaque
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White, semi-translucent to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: ~2.65

Formation & geological history

Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and hydrothermal vein environments. The cloudy white appearance is caused by microscopic fluid inclusions trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used in electronics (as a source of silicon), optical equipment, abrasive manufacturing, glassmaking, and decorative or lapidary purposes.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its milky color from millions of tiny gas or liquid bubbles trapped as the crystal formed.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its scratch resistance against glass/steel (Mohs 7), lack of cleavage, and characteristic greasy to vitreous luster. Commonly found worldwide in granitic pegmatites, quartz veins, and river gravels.